Chapter Intro Video

Chapter Objectives

• Name the nations to whom Ezekiel directed his oracles in chapters 25–32
• Summarize the warnings Ezekiel pronounced on the seven nations in chapters 25–32
• List details of the new temple that God revealed to Ezekiel
• Present the five major approaches to interpreting Ezekiel 40–48

Chapter Summary

1. Ezekiel 25–32 directs oracles of judgment against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.
2. In Ezekiel 33–39 the prophet describes the blessings of the restoration.
3. Ezekiel’s audience viewed him as an eloquent speaker but did not take him seriously in regard to spiritual matters.
4. God’s restoration of Israel would be both physical and spiritual.
5. Ezekiel 40–48 describes Ezekiel’s final vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple.
6. Each one of the twelve gates of Jerusalem was designated for one of the twelve tribes.
7. Bible interpreters have suggested many possible interpretations of Ezekiel 40–48.

Study Questions

1. What are the implications of Ezekiel’s prophesying against other nations (chapters 25–32)? How does God still show his power over all nations?
2. Describe the role of the watchman in the book of Ezekiel. In what sense do modern Christians have this role?
3. Evaluate the statement, “Ezekiel’s audience listened to him, but they didn’t really listen to him.” What subtle warning does Ezekiel 33:30–33 give to today’s Christian?
4. In the book of Ezekiel, God promised he would judge evil and restore his people. What difference should that promise make in the lives of God’s people today?
5. Describe the various ways Christians have interpreted Ezekiel 40–48. Do you lean toward a particular view yourself? If so, why?